Article 3 Volume 13 March 8, 2022
Thought: In February, every year the public is bombarded with news about Black history; then in March back to heavy doses of Jewish history
When I consider the year-round Sunday School lessons and presentations in black churches; all I see mostly is the struggles of the Jewish people. The lessons stress how they went through slavery and were delivered from bondage. Emphasis is put on how God heard their cry and delivered them. To be clear, I believe all of this happen and needs to be taught.
But as I listen and study this material, I wonder about black history. Didn't we go through slavery? We were real slaves. When we were somewhat freed in 1865, we did not have gold, silver, animals, and lots of clothes. Mostly all we had was what we wore and a small bag of belongings. My great-granddaddy use to tell the story about how they were free, but oh so lost on where to go and what to do.
We were not 6 or 7-year slaves but lifetime slaves.
It would be wonderful if our study could include from whence we came and how God delivered us. We called on God and he heard our cry. We are blessed. We are not just about singing and dancing and sports. Our children need to know that we had a rich history in Africa before slavery.
In our church study of Jewish history, we study in-depth their journey and trials and tribulations through history. Whereas, when I think about it, Black history focus on the achievement of a few. Just consider, there are millions of black heroes and pioneers that we never hear about. To be a hero or heroine, you don't have to be in the news.
In the month of February, there is a lot published and talked about. I say this could be year-round. We don't have to just make it one month a year.
In today's society, there is a push back on teaching black history in schools. This means that children will know even less about their black heritage. However, if the black churches continue their present practice, black children and adults will continue to soak in a lot of Jewish history.
Can the black churches find a way to teach more black history?
Our history is more than about athletes and entertainers.
As a child in Mary Estes Elementary School in Suffolk, Va we were taught that Africa was a lost continent. We believed that Tarzen was the king of the continent. So, Tarzan, Jane, Boy, and a monkey were in charge of all those dark people in the movie or Africa. Then, when I got to East Suffolk High school it didn't get much better. I remember one of my classmate's reports about how great life was for black folks in South Africa. What could we say? Our access to news was very limited.
Today, it is very different but it won't matter if true Black history is not taught in churches and community educational venues. Don't put your hope in the school systems.
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